After several delays and a rescheduled round, the LPGA Q-Series finally went through 72 holes, cut to the top 60 and ties. While there are many names at the top of the leaderboard, most notably LPGA Tour player and 2023 Epson Tour member Sydney Clanton. So far the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Magnolia Grove, North Carolina native has carded four rounds of par or better and currently sits in a tie for 15th at 11-under.
The 2023 season has been good for Clandon, who finished the season 31st in the Race for the Card with an Epson Tour win at the Guardian Championship before his move to the LPGA Q-Series in Mobile. However, Clandon decided to do something not many people do.
Instead of playing in the Epson Tour Championship and trying to earn a spot in the top 10 race for the card, which he would have had to win, the Auburn University alum traveled to Texas to play in The Ascendant LPGA benefiting America’s Volunteers. LPGA Tour. Getting that start and another at Annika, powered by Gainbridge at Pelican, put Clanton in a comfortable position heading into the LPGA Q-Series.
„I played in Tampa two weeks ago and it was a blessing. Instead of seven weeks off in a row, I had four weeks off and two weeks off. I was able to really focus,” Clandon said. Thank you very much for playing well in Tampa.
„I’ve got to feel all the emotions you’re going to feel here. There’s nothing like Q-School. I always tell players, blessed players don’t come back. It’s a different animal when you’re playing for a living. At the end of the day, it’s what it is. You either have your card, or you don’t. No. It’s a different kind of pressure. So, thank you for playing well. I wish I wasn’t here, but I’m where I am and I’m looking forward to the next couple of days.
Part of her decision not to play the Epson Tour Championship was to have her LPGA Q-Series entry fee covered by Seiko Epson Corporation, knowing she was safe in the top 35. Clanton, who has seen the tour grow since the company became a partner, recognizes the impact Epson is having and knows the future of the tour is in good hands.
„There’s a misconception all over the world about what the women’s players get against the men’s. It’s a very expensive week. They’ve shortened it from two spots to eight rounds to six rounds, but the $2,500 entry fee is a blessing, one, financially, and, two. , it gives you the ability to hire a caddy, which is really important here,” Clanton said. „You need someone in your bag who has done it and understands the emotional, mental and physical toll of it. Epson has done a fantastic job with this tour and is setting up players for the future.
With just two rounds left to play, Clanton is locked into securing LPGA Tour membership for 2024. The 34-year-old has been on the roller coaster of professional golf for 11 years and is ready to continue the ride next season despite sometimes questioning whether or not to get off. With a positive mindset and a commitment to grind out the final 36 holes, Clanton can regain her LPGA Tour card and start hunting for her second career win in 2024.
„There have been different times in my career where I’ve questioned whether I’m where I should be. Last year was one of them,” Clanton said. „It’s really hard to lose your card. I’m not a young chick anymore, and a lot of girls who play well are in their low 20s. There are, I am now in my mid 30’s.
“So, after this year, to be able to go out and win again (on the Epson Tour), to be able to play the best matches I’ve had on the LPGA, it’s another reminder of where I’m at. I have to be. The goal is to get full status back, that’s why I’m here, that’s the goal. „